Top of mind -
Bond market rebound: An opportunity not to be ignored
Government bonds endured a torrid 2022. In this article, we examine the factors that drove the shakeout in the bond market and assess any potential opportunities that have emerged from the losses experienced in 2022. We then delve into why our Investment Committee decided to increase exposure to government bonds for Q2 2023.
2022: Bond ‘Annus horribilis’
The Global Government Bond index fell 18% in 2022, a severe outcome for an asset class traditionally considered lower risk. To highlight the magnitude of the decline, US Government bonds had their worst loss since 1973. Normally, bonds tend to perform well when equity markets fall sharply. However, this was not the case in 2022. Bond losses coincided with a 20% in fall in the global equity markets, providing no protection to investor’s portfolios.
So, why did bonds perform so badly?
- Inflation - Last year global inflation soared to multi-decade highs, prompting central banks to aggressively hike interest rates. As a result, government and corporate bond yields spiked. Higher bond yields lead to lower bond prices, resulting in the losses we saw in 2022.
- Valuations – Bond yields entered 2022 at historically low yields. For instance, the US 10-year Treasury was trading at 1.5% at the start of 2022. This low starting yield offered little margin of safety for investors. Last year’s inflationary shock made bonds extremely vulnerable to a sell off.
US 10 years treasuries were trading at low yields into 2022
Source: Bloomberg From December 2000 to June 2023.
Are bonds worth a closer look?
For government bonds to perform better, it is crucial that inflation decreases from its lofty levels. Encouragingly, since the peak in global inflation, government bond yields have stabilised.
Bond yields are closely tied to Inflation
Source: Bloomberg
While Inflation is still high, it has fallen since late 2022. We expect this trend to continue into the second half of 2023, driven by falling energy prices. Further disinflation could be supportive for bonds in the remainder of 2023.
A rosier inflation outlook is likely to see central banks closer to pausing interest rate increases. Historically, a pause in rate increases often coincided with a peak in the US 10-year Treasury yield, as observed in the seven previous rate tightening cycles.
In recent decades, including government bonds to portfolios, has been a sensible way to reduce risk. It has been a great diversifier as bonds have typically been negatively correlated to equities, especially during sharp sell-offs.
To highlight this, JP Morgan sampled returns of 10-year government bonds during periods of acute economic shocks.
Prior to the COVID-19 shock, average returns during these periods were substantial, buttressing clients’ portfolios.
However, bond returns during the COVID–19 market sell-off were far lower. Bond yields were already historically low and so bond prices had much less scope to increase as compared to previous shocks.
Given the sharp losses in bonds in 2022, bond valuations are now more attractive. This improved valuation starting point should allow for bonds to regain their diversifying role in investor portfolios. Recession fears are heightened given the aggressive interest rate hikes. Due to this uncertain back-drop, bonds are better prepared to protect investors in the event of another economic shock. For example, if US 10-year bond yields were to fall by 300 basis points, their total return would be over 25%. This would allow portfolios to better weather an economic shock.
Historical returns from 10-year govt. bonds during shocks
%. total return over the period when stocks were failing
Source: JP Morgan - 30 June 23
Opportunity not to be ignored
Government bonds are a major asset class and should not be ignored by investors. After a significant fall in 2022, they do warrant careful consideration for inclusion in investor portfolios.
The path of inflation will be crucial in determining the performance of bonds. Stickier inflation could see bond yields rise, leading to further bond losses.
However, considering the attractive valuation starting points, losses are unlikely to be as severe as in 2022. And while inflation is a risk to bonds, there is still a possibility of a recession later this year or in 2024.
Recessions tend to be bad for equities but positive for government bonds. In such scenarios, government bonds could provide portfolios with much needed protection.
Our Investment Committee has started to increase exposure to government bonds. Government bonds offer clients decent income and importantly add diversification to their overall portfolios. We began this process in our Q2 2023 Investment committee series. Learn more about the key decisions we made here.
Further reading
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Author -
Jason Da Silva
Director, Global Investment Strategy
Jason Da Silva joined Arbuthnot Latham in 2022, as a senior research analyst and in 2023 he was promoted to Director, Global Investment Strategy. He most recently spent four years at boutique asset manager Obsidian Capital focused on direct equities, fixed income, commodities, and currencies. Previously, he worked at EY, where he became a Chartered Accountant before rotating into the EY corporate finance division. Jason holds both a CA(SA) and a CFA.
DISCLAIMER
This communication should be considered a marketing communication. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. It is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice, a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell any security or other investment or banking product or service. You should seek professional advice before making any investment decision. The value of investments, and the income from them can fall as well as rise, and may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Investors could get back less than they invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The tax treatment of investments depends upon individual circumstances and may be subject to change.
The contents of this communication are based on opinions or conditions as at the date of writing and may change without notice. To the extent permitted by law or regulation, no warranty of accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no liability is accepted for its use or reliance on it.